Easthampton firefighters on the scene of a fire at Nini's Ristorante on Cottage Street. The fire in the upstairs apartment caused up to $90,000 damage to the building and will likely force the restaurant to be closed for months.
(Patrick Johnson / The Republican)

UPDATED STORY now available on MassLive.com.EASTHAMPTON – A fire Tuesday afternoon in an upstairs apartment above Nini’s Italian Ristorante, 124 Cottage St., caused an estimated $80,000 to $90,000 damage to the building and force the popular restaurant to be closed for months, a fire official said.

No one was injured but four people were displaced, said Easthampton Fire Chief David Mottor.

The fire was reported just after 1:30 p.m.

The fire caused heavy fire and smoke damge to the second floor where there are two apartments, he said. Firefighters were able to knock it down before it could spread to the roof or the remainder of the building.

The restaurant sustained significant water damage, he said.

He estimated it could be three to six months before it can reopen.

Nini’s owner, Johnny Daniele was present at the scene but he declined to comment. He said he was too shaken up to give an interview.

Easthampton Fire called for mutual aid from Northampton Holyoke and Southampton fire departments.

Mottor said that was done mostly as a precaution due to the age of the building.

When the first firefighters arrived on scene, they could see heavy smoke coming out the upstairs windows on two sides of the building, he said.

The fire appeared to originate in the apartment in the rear of the building, above the take-out entrance to Nini’s, he said.

The ignition point appeared to be a sofa or loveseat in the apartment, he said.

The Pioneer Valley chapter of the American Red Cross has been called to assist those displaced, he said.

The cause remains under investigation. The state Fire Marshal is sending an investigator to assist Easthampton fire in determining the cause.

Cottage Street, or Route 141, is the main route connecting downtown Easthampton with Holyoke. Both lanes were blocked off and traffic was being diverted along side streets.